Winter storms have started rocking the Tri-state area, leaving debris scattered across many yards.

Winter Storm Fern recently slammed the greater Hagerstown, MD area with snow and ice. And it will likely be an active season more of the same. Be careful and be prepared (see the tips below). AND, if you do have storm damage, such as downed trees, consider BlueBox Rental for a dumpster to help in cleaning up the mess. Storm damage can be overwhelming, but once it’s safe to move about, the cold-weather work begins.

Their staff will deliver a residential-size dumpster to your driveway or yard. When you’re done filling it, we’ll remove it. Cleaning up is always the goal. Most people only think about the energy and hard work that goes into gathering up the debris. The BlueBox dumpster rentals staff want to make sure you only have to touch the mess one time. This is especially important when working outside in extreme cold temperatures.

 

Contact BlueBox for your dumpster

The BlueBox Rental staff members deliver dumpsters throughout Western Maryland, Pennsylvania and the West Virginia Panhandle. This area includes Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Williamsport, Greencastle and Falling Waters.

Click here to reserve one of BlueBox‘s rental dumpsters. They offer six different size dumpsters, with different price points, so you have the right one for the right job. You can also call the office at 301.333.9500 or text a representative at 240.219.5839.

 

Tips for preparing for and weathering a winter storm

Here are a few tips that can help before, during and after the winter storm.

BEFORE THE STORM
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️6. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.

WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️7. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️8. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️9. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️10. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️11. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️12. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.

FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️13. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️14. Have manual can opener available.
❄️15. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️16. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️17. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.

HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️18. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️19. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️20. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️21. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️22. Use battery lanterns and flashlights instead of candles.

VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️23. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️24. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️25. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.

POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️26. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage. Use surge protectors.
❄️27. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️28. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️29. Know where warming centers may be in your area.
❄️30. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.

PETS
❄️31. Bring all pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️32. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.

MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️33. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️34. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️35. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.

DURING THE STORM
❄️1. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️2. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️3. Use only safe indoor heating methods and have working carbon monoxide detector.
❄️4. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone/text if possible.
❄️5. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.

AFTER THE STORM
❄️1. Walk carefully — ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️2. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️3. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️4. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️5. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.

REALITIES ABOUT ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.